Lyle Eugene Davis

Lyle Eugene Davis, 94, of Valrico, FL, formerly from Newman, IL, passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2017. Mr. Davis was born July 15, 1922, in Murdock, Illinois to Minnie (Hardwick) and Clarence Davis. He attended grade school in Murdock and high school in Newman. Newman's high school football and track teams were some of the best in Newman's history during those years. Mr. Davis held the county high hurdle record for more than 20 years.

One of the things Lyle loved most was singing, and he sang with the Gene Trimble Orchestra for most of his life. He met his wife, Jean (Payne) who played piano in the band, when he joined the Orchestra. They were married on June 17, 1950, in Newman, IL, where they made their home. Lyle and Jean lived happily together for 66 years until Jean's death on September 10, 2016.

Lyle owned the Davis Clothing Store until 1968 when he became an agent for Country Companies Insurance; he retired from Country Companies in 1983. After his retirement, he and Jean split their time between Newman, IL, and Valrico, FL, until moving permanently to Florida in 2004.

Lyle is survived by his sons Dr. Jeffrey (Donna) Davis of Valrico, FL, and Neal (Jackie) Davis of Wichita, Kansas; grandchildren Jeremy (Brianne) Davis of St. Petersburg, FL, and Sarah Davis of Durham, NC; great-grandson Grayson Davis (Christopher) of Jacksonville, FL; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Jean (Payne), his parents Minnie & Clarence Davis; sister June (Howard) Tope; grandsons Christopher Neal Davis (Jeff & Donna) and Andrew Steven Davis (Neal & Jackie); and a host of very loving friends.

In Brandon, a memorial service will be held at New Hope United Methodist Church, 120 N. Knights Ave., Brandon, FL, on Saturday, March 25, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Jaime Westlake officiating. Stowers Funeral Home of Brandon, FL, will be handling the funeral arrangements.

In Newman, IL, a celebration of his life will be held at the Newman United Methodist Church on Saturday, April 1, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Newman United Methodist Church, 717 N. Broadway, Newman, IL 61942; or to New Hope United Methodist Church, 120 N. Knights Ave., Brandon, FL 33510.